Harris County Constable Sherman Eagleton issued a public alert on Friday, September 18, 2026, warning residents that a new online scam is targeting locals through pop-up advertisements and unsolicited phone calls. The warning, released by the Harris County Constable's Office, emphasized that the scheme is designed to deceive users into providing personal or financial information.
The constable's office announced the advisory after receiving multiple reports of the fraudulent activity. According to the notice, the scam appears to rely on aggressive pop-up ads that prompt users to click for purported offers, followed by phone calls from callers who claim to represent legitimate businesses or government agencies. Victims are urged to treat any unexpected calls or online prompts with suspicion.
Eagleton stressed that residents should avoid interacting with unfamiliar pop-up windows and should not share personal details over the phone unless they have independently verified the caller's identity. He also recommended that individuals use reputable security software and keep web browsers updated to reduce exposure to malicious advertisements.
The constable's office highlighted that the tactics being employed are part of a broader trend of online fraud that leverages both digital and telephone channels to increase pressure on potential victims. By combining visual prompts on a computer screen with direct phone outreach, scammers aim to create a sense of urgency that can lead to hurried decisions.
Local law enforcement officials continue to monitor the situation and are collecting additional information from those who have encountered the scam. While no arrests have been reported at this time, the office encourages anyone who believes they have been contacted by the scheme to document the encounter and forward details to the Harris County Constable's Office for further investigation.
Residents are reminded that official agencies will not demand payment or sensitive information through unsolicited pop-ups or phone calls. The constable's office will provide updates as more information becomes available and advises the community to remain vigilant against similar fraudulent approaches.